Understanding Arthroscopy
When you experience an injury or joint-related discomfort, your doctor may first recommend you try basic, at-home care to treat an injury, including resting the affected joint, applying ice or heat, using a brace or splint and taking over-the-counter pain medications or anti-inflammatories.
Arthroscopy may be recommended when these treatment options fail to provide relief of pain and other symptoms. During an arthroscopic procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions in a patient’s skin, then inserts tiny instruments through the incisions, including a small camera and lighting system.
These tools are moved to the end of a piece of equipment called an arthroscope, which is maneuvered up to the affected joint. Once in place, the camera captures images of the inside of the joint, allowing the surgeon to see damage to the cartilage, ligaments and other components in and around the joint.
This allows the surgeon to determine a diagnosis and the extent of the injury, as well as to make repairs when necessary. Arthroscopy can be used on its own to treat some conditions, and it is used alongside other surgical techniques to treat more significant injuries, such as an ACL tear.
Because arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they touch less unaffected tissue than a traditional, open procedure, those who undergo arthroscopy typically experience a quick recovery and minimal pain after the procedure.
A Hattiesburg Clinic orthopaedic specialist can help you determine what is best to diagnose and treat the medical issue you are facing, using tools like arthroscopy.